Attacks on Opposition in Bengal: Expert Tip

Jan 13, 2026 - By Ashutosh Roy Current AffairsPolitics

Key Highlights

1. Attacks on opposition have become almost a tradition in West Bengal politics
2. Suvendu Adhikari had to face political vindictiveness in Chandrakona Road in West Medinipur on January 10, 2026
3. Suvendu immediately turned his convoy back and started protesting in the police station and brought the protest on the street even at night
4. Is Suvendu Adhikari treading the same path that showered success on Mamata Banerjee once?
5. Ordinary people of West Bengal only demands the maintenance of law and order after watching so many bloodbaths

Why Are Attacks on Opposition Leaders continuing in Bengal?

Attacks on Opposition in West Bengal politics has been continuing. Suvendu Adhikari was returning from a public meeting in Purulia on Saturday, 10th January. However, a brutal attack took place on him at Chandrakona Road in West Medinipur. Notably, a large police force was present at the spot. Moreover, BJP leaders and workers were also with him.

Despite this, the police remained almost silent spectators, even as the attack unfolded. As a result, People have started raisning serious questions about law and order in the state.

After the attack, Suvendu Adhikari turned back with his supporters and staged a sit-in at Chandrakona Road Police Station. He clearly demanded that the attackers be booked through an FIR under non-bailable sections. Importantly, the attack occurred in front of the Antabankura Regional Office.

Moreover, since this district is Suvendu Adhikari’s home turf, and the Adhikari family has been deeply involved in local politics for decades, massive public support followed. As a result, nearly 10,000 people gathered that very night. The next day, BJP workers again took to the streets, staging protests against the attack.

Why attacks on Opposition have become a trend?

It is now impossible to remember how many times Suvendu Adhikari has been attacked. He is not just any leader. As the Leader of the Opposition, his status is equivalent to that of a minister.

Therefore, active and decisive police action was absolutely necessary. However, the harsh reality in this state is different. Opposition parties must approach the court even to get permission for meetings and rallies. In other words, the democratic space that the opposition should have simply does not exist.

What Do These Attacks on opposition Mean for Democracy?

Ironically, when Mamata Banerjee first came to power, she promised exactly the opposite. She said there would be ample space for opposition politics. Moreover, as Chief Minister, she even requested the Speaker in the Assembly to give more time to opposition voices.

Not only that, while attacking the CPM during the change movement, she repeatedly claimed that her arrival would restore democracy in Bengal. However, there is a clear difference between Mamata Banerjee of 2011 and the Mamata Banerjee who has ruled for 15 years. Attack on opposition shows that significantly.

When Subhendu Adhikari was in TMC

However, We want to mention a few more very pertinent points in this context. When Suvendu Adhikari was in the Trinamool Congress, the politics of violence against the opposition in Medinipur began under his watch. Today, Is Suvendu Adhikari now trapped in the very path he once carved for others?

At that time, Suvendu Adhikari used every possible tactic like pressure, inducement, punishment, and division to expand the Trinamool Congress across West Bengal.

Therefore, a serious question arises. Does any of this create even a moment of regret for him today?

Is Democratic Space Shrinking in West Bengal?

As the high-voltage  2026 Assembly election draws closer, the ruling party is likely to become more vindictive and aggressive. That is how the situation appears on the ground. In reality, the Trinamool Congress prefers an opposition-free political environment.

Moreover, this does not mean only suppressing political protests or movements. It also means denying even the basic democratic space to the opposition.

Since the BJP is the principal opposition party in the state, it will naturally face more frequent and targeted attacks. However, her administration and police does not spare the CPM and the Congress either. This reality does not change no matter how strongly senior advocates like Manu Singhvi argue cases for the Trinamool Congress in the Supreme Court.

Why Is Street Politics Returning to Bengal?

We can not forget that Mamata Banerjee spent years on the streets as an opposition leader, leading continuous meetings and protest marches. Moreover, during the Singur movement, she carried out a long and disruptive agitation, including blocking national highways.

She should remember that history. The CPM did obstruct and even attack her at certain places, but such incidents were far fewer. In contrast, today the police administration has shamelessly turned into a cadre force of the Trinamool Congress. This level of partisanship certainly did not exist to this extent in that era.

Is Mamata Banerjee worried of facing the consequences of the very political path she once created?

When Mamata Banerjee herself endured those hardships as an opposition leader, no one expected that, after becoming the ruler, she would allow continuous attacks on opposition. Even more troubling, she has failed to ensure even the minimum democratic space that the opposition deserves.

Is BJP over-dependent on agencies?

One more point is important today in the political rhetoric of West Bengal. For a long time, the BJP focused mainly on politics through the courts. The party placed strong faith in central institutions, whether the CBI or the Election Commission. As a result, its street movements were limited in number and scale.

Suvendu Adhikari back to street politics

Now, Suvendu Adhikari has clearly returned to street politics. That night, he mobilized a huge crowd and led protests on the ground. Interestingly, this style mirrors Mamata Banerjee’s own approach when she was the opposition leader.

People often noticed Mamata Banerjee on the streets at midnight or in the early hours of the morning, leading protests.

At Chandrakona Road, Suvendu Adhikari followed the same path. In fact, the street politics that once made Mamata Banerjee popular has now drawn Suvendu Adhikari into it as well.

How Will This Impact the 2026 Elections?

The 2026 West Bengal Assembly election is still some time away. However, the way attacks on the opposition are increasing, starting from the SIR exercise to repeated crackdowns, makes the state’s law and order situation deeply worrying. The peace-loving people of Bengal have already witnessed enough political bloodshed.

Therefore, it is time to put an end to this cycle of violence. Ultimately, this is the simple demand of any sensible and conscientious citizen.